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Texas Southern University follows the guidelines of the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) which recommends that college students  be current with all immunizations. Beginning January 1, 2012, all newly admitted students and any student  returning to the university following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester,  will be required to have the meningitis vaccination or an approved exemption prior to attending classes. To meet the immunization requirement,  the student must provide evidence of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination  or booster during the  five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to  the first day of classes. Students are also encouraged to consult with a physician about the need for  the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.

A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis or the evidence of receiving the booster if:

  • the students is 30 years of age or older (by the first day of classes)
  • the student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses
  • the student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training
  • the student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located in a higher education institiution campus

Acceptable forms of evidence of vaccination must include the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel on a form which shows the month, day and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered. Acceptable forms include an official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority, an official record received from school officials, including a record from another state, a record from a health practitioner who is authorized by law to administer a vaccination.

SUBMITTING HEALTH RECORDS:

All health records must have the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel on a form which shows the month, day, and year the vaccination or booster was administered. Other acceptable forms of proof of vaccination include an official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.

Choose from the following options to submit a copy of your health and immunization record(s), write your name, TSU Student ID, and date of birth on each page you submit:  
    • E-MAIL: Scan and email your documentation to vaccines@tsu.edu 
    • FAX:   713-313-7817
    • MAIL:Texas Southern University, Student Health Center, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, Texas 77004
    • HAND DELIVER: to the Student Health Center located on Tierwester, behind Lanier East

International Students must provide a certified english translation for all health and immunization records. If you have questions or need further instructions, please contact the Student Health Center at (713) 313-7173. 

Exemptions to Immunization Requirements:

Chapter §97.62of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States.

A student or a parent or guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent  or guardian of a student submits to the institution:

An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well being of the student:

Or a notarized affidavit signed by the student stating that the student understands the risks and benfits of vaccination(s)  and declines the vaccination(s) for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.  A conscientious exemption form must be used.

For new students 18 years or olderNOT living in on-campus housing,  Obtain an on-line "Affidavit Request for Exemption", form from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website at: www.thecb.state.tx.us/, click on "Bacterial Meningitis", scroll down and click on "Affidavit of Exemption From Immunzations for Bacterial Meningitis for Reasons of Conscience". The student must print this form, have it notarized and submit it  to the Student Health Center.

For new studentsunder the age of 18,regardless of whether they are living on or off campusand for new students living in on-campushousing,the student must request the Department of Texas State Health Services (DSHS)  form electronically. It may take up to two weeks to receive the form. Once completed, it is submitted to the Student Health Center. Information about requesting  the DSHS affidavit form is available at:  http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm#exclusions. 

Health Forms:

Student Health Form

Authorization to Release Form